DJ Christina Swilley Brings Unique Vinyl Sounds to Santa Fe

Atlanta native finds her niche in the City Different's music scene

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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DJ Christina Swilley, a native of Atlanta, has carved out a unique DJ niche in the Santa Fe music scene since moving to the city during the pandemic in 2020. Despite having no prior professional DJ experience, Swilley has built a following through her passion for vinyl records and eclectic music tastes, ranging from old soul and funk to garage rock and Cuban rhythms.

Why it matters

Swilley's story highlights how newcomers can make their mark on a local music scene, even in a small city like Santa Fe. Her self-taught approach and commitment to vinyl DJing has allowed her to stand out in a market dominated by digital DJs, providing a fresh perspective and sound for Santa Fe partygoers.

The details

When Swilley moved to Santa Fe in 2020, she had no plans to become a DJ. But after closing her business in Atlanta and spending time at home with her new baby, she was inspired to start DJing as a hobby. Despite having limited technical knowledge, Swilley immersed herself in learning the craft, seeking guidance from local DJs like truewill who helped her understand the importance of sound quality and the art of vinyl DJing. Swilley's unique musical tastes, ranging from Southern soul to Cuban rhythms, have helped her carve out a niche in Santa Fe's music scene, where she is often hired for her ability to get crowds dancing to unexpected and obscure tracks.

  • Swilley moved to Santa Fe with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • Swilley started DJing as a hobby after closing her business in Atlanta.

The players

Christina Swilley

A native of Atlanta who moved to Santa Fe during the pandemic and has since built a following as a DJ known for her eclectic vinyl mixes.

truewill

A local DJ in Santa Fe who helped Swilley learn the technical aspects of vinyl DJing and develop a better understanding of sound quality.

Justin Ray

The owner of REMIX Audio Bar in Santa Fe, who has been encouraging and supportive of Swilley's DJing career, helping her book gigs.

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What they’re saying

“Going to the studio and listening to the difference, it opened up my brain.”

— Christina Swilley, DJ (sfreporter.com)

“I've sometimes felt really frustrated that I don't know how to DJ electronically, like with CDJs, and there's all these programs where you can use dummy vinyl but you're actually just playing off your computer, but I couldn't get anyone to teach me, and I thought 'fuck it, i'll just keep using the vinyl.'”

— Christina Swilley, DJ (sfreporter.com)

What’s next

Swilley is hosting a Galentine's Day event at the El Rey Court's La Reina bar, which should provide a good introduction to her unique DJing style.

The takeaway

Swilley's story shows how a newcomer can make their mark on a local music scene through passion, perseverance, and a willingness to forge their own path, even in the face of technical challenges. Her commitment to vinyl DJing and eclectic musical tastes have allowed her to carve out a niche in Santa Fe's vibrant entertainment landscape.